GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes has made a shocking claim about the FA Cup in response to the latest tennis trophy controversy.
Speaking on GB News about Aryna Sabalenka’s controversial Australian Open trophy incident, Eamonn revealed: “I know for a fact the FA Cup is often used as a receptacle for urine.”
The People’s Channel star added: “Players have told me. More than one player over the years has told me that.”
His comments came during a discussion about Sabalenka and her coaching team appearing to mock-urinate on her runner-up trophy.
Eamonn Holmes reacted to the ‘shocking’ footage
EUROSPORT / PA / GB NEWS
The world No 1 and two members of her coaching team were captured on video appearing to perform pelvic thrusts over her runners-up trophy, which was placed on the floor.
The footage shows Sabalenka, along with her boyfriend Geogios Frangulis and fitness coach Jason Stacy, laughing during the incident in the locker room.
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The matter was discussed on GB News
GB NEWS
The controversial behaviour came after Sabalenka’s 6-3 2-6 7-5 defeat to Madison Keys, which denied her a third consecutive Australian Open title.
The incident sparked immediate backlash on social media platform X, with users condemning the behaviour.
“What a disgusting and disrespectful action. They deserve an explanation and public apology for this terrible gestures,” wrote one user.
Another posted: “Okay, that’s way too much… never seen something more disrespectful in tennis.”
Aryna Sabalenka returned to the court for the trophy ceremonyREUTERS
Some fans defended Sabalenka, with one suggesting: “I don’t think that’s their intention. Maybe creating something for TikTok. It may look weird at first but with the camera effects it will turn out differently.”
Sabalenka’s behaviour with the trophy came after an emotional response to her defeat in the women’s singles final.
The Belarusian was visibly distraught after losing to Keys, smashing her racket before storming off the court.
She later covered her face with a towel in front of 15,000 fans at Rod Laver Arena before heading to her locker room.
The defeat was particularly bitter as Sabalenka had fought hard to reach the final, beating close friend Paula Badosa in the semi-finals.
Speaking after the match, Sabalenka was frank about her feelings towards second place.
“I think when you get to the point of finals, it’s trophy or nothing,” she said. “Nobody remembers the finalist, you know?”
Despite reaching three consecutive finals in Melbourne, she remained focused on future success.
“Of course, I have to be anyway proud of myself with the finals, three finals in a row. That’s something crazy,” she added. “I hope that next year I’ll come back as a better player.”